What is a Capo? A Beginner’s Guide to Unlocking Your Guitar Sometimes, playing a song you like and finding the vocal range is too high or not being comfortable with barre chords, can get in the way of your guitar playing enjoyment. A capo can simplify and avoid barre chords and complex chord shapes or […]
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Bass guitars are large stringed instruments that produce deep, low-pitched sounds. Think of them as the foundation of music; they provide the “bottom end” that you feel more than hear. Unlike regular guitars, bass guitars have thicker strings and longer necks. Bass guitar strings impact tone and playability directly. Understanding them elevates your skill and […]
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If you’re just starting your music journey, choosing the right instrument can make all the difference in your progress and enjoyment. The classical guitar, with its rich history and versatile sound, offers a unique set of benefits for beginners. Whether you’re drawn to its soothing tones or the fact that the design better facilitates the […]
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Guitar string gauge sizes affect every aspect of guitar playing, from tone to playability. A string’s gauge represents its diameter, measured in thousandths of an inch (referred to as “mils”) in US manufacturing or decimal millimeters in metric countries. For example, a “10-gauge” high E string measures 0.010 inches or 0.254 mm in diameter. These […]
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New, intermediate, and even experienced guitarists may ask the question “What are the strings on a guitar?” and why is the E A D G B E guitar strings order standard? Could these guitar string names be some arbitrary setup that has no particular meaning? Actually, this is called standard tuning, and it was invented […]
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As a guitar player, you know how important it is to have a comfortable playing experience. Your guitar strings are a crucial part of that equation. Strings that are too stiff or rough can cause finger pain and fatigue, making it difficult to play for long stretches. Investing in a set of smooth, flexible strings […]
Read moreRestringing a classical guitar involves removing the old strings and installing a new set. This important maintenance task should be performed periodically to keep the guitar sounding its best and a player’s touch and expression most consistent. Old strings can distort and even corrode over time, affecting tuning stability, response, and tone. Stringing a classical […]
Read moreBy Ross Boissoneau It’s not easy to stand out in the middle of a rhythm section in a band that boasts five horns and a dynamic lead vocalist. But Tower of Power guitarist Jerry Cortez manages just fine, thank you very much. Since joining the titans of funk in 2010, he’s been praised for his […]
Read more“These are a few of my favorite… strings.” One SBM Customer’s Acoustic String Thoughts By: Strings By Mail customer Russ Mason I got my first guitar when I was 15 years old. It was a used Martin 0-15, solid mahogany top, back and sides. It was a sweet little thing, which I played for years. […]
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Introduction Veteran performer, Strings By Mail owner, and guitar teacher for 15 years at the Interlochen Center for the Arts, John Wunsch presents a series of articles on alleviating performance anxiety. A series of articles beginning with Part 1. This month’s article will present a paced approach to playing comfortably in front of others. This […]
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